Review: FEATHERS by Jacqueline Woodson

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Woodson, Jacqueline. 2007. Feathers. New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons. ISBN 9780399239892.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

On Wednesday, January 6, 1971 a strange thing happened in Frannie’s classroom. Her all-black class got a new male student who is white and has long hair. Trevor, the class bully quickly nicknamed him Jesus Boy, and let him know he didn’t belong there. “Jesus Boy” told his classmates his family moved there because his father thought people would be nicer to him there. The hope of a new beginning is something for which all of the characters are looking. Mrs. Johnson, Frannie’s teacher, recently read a poem by Emily Dickenson about new beginnings, and the phrase-“ hope is the thing with feathers”- sticks in Frannie’s mind. She hopes that her mother will be OK during her pregnancy, because she has already lost two babies. Her older brother Sean, who is deaf, hopes to be accepted in the hearing world. Frannie’s best friend Samantha begins to hope that perhaps this boy actually is Jesus. Throughout this absorbing story, the characters grow as they each struggle with their own issues and learn more about each other and even themselves.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson, (a three-time Newberry Honor winner), is a compelling example of realistic, historical fiction for young readers.  Set in the early 1970’s in Jacqueline Woodson handled the sensitive issues of race and fitting in with a light and deft touch. Frannie, the protagonist, is a strong, thoughtful, and compelling character, who thinks deeply about things and grows in depth and maturity throughout the story. She worries about her mother being sick, and about her brother’s feelings getting hurt when he is interested in hearing girls, but they aren’t interested in him once they find out he is deaf. Another example of her thoughtfulness is shown when her teacher tells the class to write their story, and the first line of Frannie’s story is about her older brother who is deaf: “My brother taught me to speak. I grew up inside his world of words.” This story evokes contemplation in the reader, no matter what their age.

There are many cultural markers evident in this story. Woodson was not afraid to tackle the big issues. She handled racism, deafness and loss of babies all in the same story. The racially charged setting of the early 1970’s was accurately portrayed with the references Black Power and the reactions of the characters towards having a student of a different race in their midst. Samantha, Frannie’s best friend reflects on this when she asks, ““If there was a world for Jesus to need to walk back into, wouldn’t this be it?” The dialogue carefully and respectfully showed the viewpoints of all of the characters and explored types of music enjoyed by the different characters, For myself, as an adult who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s it brings back memories of the issues of Vietnam, the music of the time, and the “jive” talk of the students, (“Right on, my brother-man. I feel what you’re saying.)” Woodson was careful to portray the physical features of the characters accurately. For example, the narrator referred many times to the different shades of color of the students’ skin, not just black and white, but the shades in between: “In the summertime, Trevor’s skin turned the prettiest copper brown.”

This is an excellent book for students to read to learn that no matter what the race, disability, or social status, people are important, alike in many ways, and worthy of respect. Woodson brings to light the issues surrounding the racial charged atmosphere, beliefs about God and the hardships of growing up deaf in the hearing community. For today’s young readers, it will hopefully make them think about other people and themselves in a new and more tolerant light.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY STARRED REVIEW- Frannie's keen perceptions allow readers to observe a ripple of changes. Because she has experienced so much sadness in her life (her brother's deafness, her mother's miscarriages) the heroine is able to see beyond it all—to look forward to a time when the pain subsides and life continues. Set in 1971, Woodson's novel skillfully weaves in the music and events surrounding the rising opposition to the Vietnam War, giving this gentle, timeless story depth. She raises important questions about God, racial segregation and issues surrounding the hearing-impaired with a light and thoughtful touch.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW- With her usual talent for creating characters who confront, reflect, and grow into their own persons, Woodson creates in Frannie a strong protagonist who thinks for herself and recognizes the value and meaning of family. The story ends with hope and thoughtfulness while speaking to those adolescents who struggle with race, faith, and prejudice. They will appreciate its wisdom and positive connections.

AWARDS

Newberry Honor Book 2008

ALA Notable Children’s Books

5. CONNECTIONS

This would be a great book to read when studying the events leading up to and during the Vietnam War. Students could research the events, styles of music and language referred to in the story. They could find pictures from the 1970's and compare them with modern dress and hairstyles. Students could write about issues in their own lives which have caused them to hope for a new beginning.

Other books by Jacqueline Woodson:

Woodson, Jacqueline. Each Kindness. ISBN-10: 0399246525
Woodson, Jacqueline. Locomotion. ISBN-10: 0142415529
Woodson, Jacqueline. This Is the Rope: A Story From the Great Migration. ISBN-10: 0399239863.
Woodson, Jacqueline. The Other Side. ISBN-10: 0399231161